Musician. Drummer with the 1970s music ensemble the Atlanta Rhythm Section. Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, as a child his fondness for music was the result of his exposure to the sounds of Elvis Presley, Fats Domino and Sam Cooke, among others. He gravitated to the drums and practiced the showmanship of Joe Morelo and Buddy Rich. Following graduation in 1962, he acquired playing skills and experience with various groups, prior to catching his big break in the industry as a member of The Candymen, whom initially became known as the backing band for Roy Orbison. After roughly five years with Orbison, the Candymen were rewarded with their own recording contract and yielded two albums before disbanding. Nix relocated to Atlanta and worked as a studio musician with numerous artists notably Al Kooper and with the formation of other former Candymen and Classics IV members who included Buddy Buie and J.R. Cobb, the Atlanta Rhythm Section came to fruition. The group enjoyed a successful period commercially with the Top-10 chart hits "So In To You" (1977) and "Imaginary Lover" (1978). Nix left in 1978 to resume his work as a studio musician and at the time of his death, he was married to recording artist Alison Heafner. (bio by: C.S.)